Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Jay Feely wasn't the only specialist to dominate a game this past weekend. Miami punter Brandon Fields was very busy and very successful in less than favorable weather conditions. On ten punts he averaged 56.4 yards gross and 49.6 yards net. His efforts played a significant role in the Dolphins 10-6 win over the Jets.

"The elements were a factor in the rain, and so it came down to me blocking it out and doing my job. It gave us a chance to turn the field on the Jets."

The Tampa Bay at Washington game was also played in cold, wet conditions. The Redskins kicking game struggled. Graham Gano missed field goals of 34 and 24 yards. Then with nine seconds remaining in the game he didn't get a chance to kick a potential game tying extra point when the snap and hold went awry. Fellow kicker Connor Barth was watching from the Buccaneers sideline:

"You know we are kind of a little fraternity. There’s 32 of us so in the back of your mind you are thinking it is tough. Everyone has been there once in their career. I did it against New Orleans and hit two off the upright… during the game you are kind of like, ‘Well it’s helping our team,’ but at the end of game he was down so I just told him to keep his head up and keep working because we are good friends."

"Throughout everything, as crazy as it sounds, I was just as confident as I've ever been. Those are moments I dream of, just being able tie the game. I was just foreseeing going into overtime and hitting the game-winner. And that's not how it worked out, but I'm going to stay confident with my head up."